Savannah Resources PLC (AIM:SAV, ETR:SAV, OTC:SAVNF) said it achieved another key step in the development of its Barroso lithium project in Portugal after completing positive locked cycle testing (LCT).
Three LCTs were completed to simulate the continuous operation of a process plant and to find the optimal reagent dose.
"Having finalised our innovative, environmentally enhanced process flowsheet for the project in February, we are very pleased with the results produced during this subsequent LCT phase,” said chief executive David Archer.
The LCT yielded a concentrate grade of 5.5% lithium oxide (Li2O) and global recoveries in the range of 77%-81% at laboratory scale.
“We believe that this testing phase better replicates the conditions associated with the continuous circuit found in a spodumene flotation plant, so to produce a concentrate of 5.5% Li2O based on laboratory recoveries at or around 80% is very encouraging," said Archer.
“This is particularly so when testing also shows there may be an opportunity to additionally reduce associated reagent volumes and operating costs."
Optimisation of the reagent dose rates between test 1 and test 3 showed a 39% reduction in reagent use which the company said should have “significant operating cost benefits” for the project.
The LCT results will be used for resource and mine optimisation and will form part of an upcoming definitive feasibility study.